Lewis Hamilton: He grew up on a council estate, fought racism in his sport, and is an F1 legend.. so why don’t Brits like him?

Four-time World Champion Hamilton is statistically Britain's greatest driver, with his 62 Grand Prix victories - the second highest of all-time - but he has yet to win over the Great British public. The Sun's F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at why Lewis struggles with his public image.

Analysis

By Ben Hunt

26th January 2018, 2:12 pm

Updated: 9th February 2018, 5:21 pm

LEWIS Hamilton must be wondering what he can do to win over the British public.

They have already made up their mind, and usually it is negative -- and they are not afraid to tell me.

Why is that? One explanation is that Hamilton comes across badly in the media, and before the press are blamed, it is important to point out that Hamilton has enjoyed plenty of support from the British media throughout his career.

His route to F1 has been followed with scrutiny and, for the best part, Hamilton has enjoyed a good relationship with the British media.

Recognising his mistake, Hamilton apologised for his "lapse in judgement", only then appeared to "like" comments criticising the "PC brigade" against him.

It was a second lapse in judgement, if you like, but also one which illustrates how he operates with zero filter between himself and the rest of the world. He makes mistakes, and people do not forget it.

Another suggestion is that people are jealous.

Yep, the old case of green-eyed envy.

There is a perception, particularly among non-motorracing fans, that Hamilton has been gifted everything in his life.

They see his bling, tattoos, sports car and the not-so-subtle red private jet and think 'he's lucky', and indeed he is.

But those riches are a complete contrast to how he grew up.

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